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Today, a new generation of street-food lovers is lining up at food trucks and food carts like never before. Little do they know that neither food trucks nor food carts are new to the streets of American cities. Like so many other popular trends, they are the latest version of a long-standing part of American and world culture. Yet the street-food industry has never enjoyed so much publicity or notoriety.

According to Los Angeles-based industry-research firm IBISWorld, the street-food business -- including mobile food trucks and nonmechanized carts -- is a $1 billion industry that has seen an 8.4 percent growth rate from 2007 to 2012. It's very entrepreneurial: 78 percent of operators have four or fewer employees. The true number of these businesses is difficult to count, since the mobile food industry is comprised of food trucks, food carts and kiosks, which have appeared in malls as well as at train and bus stations, airports, stadiums, conference centers, resorts, and other locations in recent years.

Food-industry observers claim that the food-truck business is increasing largely in response to the slow-growing economy. People are seeking inexpensive breakfasts and lunches. Also, employees today are often pressed for time, with more work and shorter lunch hours. These factors make the mobile-food concept more appealing than ever.

From an entrepreneurial standpoint, kiosks, carts, trailers, and food trucks have a lower overhead than restaurants and can be moved if one location does not generate enough business. Rather than having to determine where to open a restaurant and worry about the old real-estate adage "location, location, location," the owner can actually drive to a new location, location, location if business is poor.

For customers, you add the convenience of having food favorites right outside a particular location -- or inside with a kiosk -- and meet several needs by serving mobile food. First, you offer food that is cost friendly because you need not pay wait staff or bussers. You also offer the convenience of quick service. In many cases you provide food choices that can save those on a busy schedule from the need to sit down. Typically customers can eat street foods while en route to their next destination. Finally, mobile food is often fun to eat and (if it's good) great to talk about.

Goin' Mobile: Your Options
Even before you decide what foods to sell, you'll want to consider how you want to sell them.

Clearly, your decision on how to sell your foods will depend on:

Your startup money, budget and potential for returns
Your commitment to the business: part time, full time, etc.
Your creative ideas and what it will take to fulfill them
Your experience at running a business
The size of the business you want to start
Your ideal demographic

These are a few of the considerations you will consider as you proceed, but for now, let's take a look at the common mobile-food entities.

Food Kiosks

Food kiosks are essentially booths or food stands that are temporary or mobile facilities used to prepare and sell food. Malls and stadiums are popular locations for food kiosks, which sell anything from pretzels and ice cream to more elaborate fare.

Although kiosks may have wheels, they are not mobile under their own power and in most cases need to be assembled. Most kiosks are rectangular and have room for two people to work within or stand behind, preparing and serving the food. They also have counter space and overhead signs.

The low overhead, flexibility and ease by which a kiosk can be opened and closed are among the reasons they're so popular. They are also an excellent choice in areas where your outdoor selling season would be limited by cold or nasty weather. Of course, the size of the kiosk limits the inventory, so it's important for a kiosk owner to carry as much as possible and price accordingly so that she can make money on what is on hand each day. Because they are usually operating indoors, kiosk owners typically sign licensing agreements at malls, stadiums, movie theaters, or other locations. Many major food businesses such as Ben & Jerry's and Baskin-Robbins franchise express kiosks.

Food Carts and Concession Trailers

The food cart and the concession trailer have been around for decades and combined are a multibillion-dollar industry today. The best known have always been hot-dog and ice-cream carts. They are among the most cost-effective ways to start a mobile food business because the carts are typically pulled by your car, truck or van, or pushed by hand. Food is either prepared in advance or purchased ready to sell -- like ice-cream pops or cups of Italian ices -- and stored, and then either heated up or pulled from the freezer. Carts are also fairly easy to maintain, and in many counties and communities, require less licensing than the full-size food trucks. It is also cost-effective if you choose to own several carts and hire friends, family or other employees to help run them for you.

There are two basic types of food carts. One has room for the vendor to sit or stand inside and serve food through a window. The other uses all the space in the cart for food storage and cooking equipment, which is typically a grill. The precise type of cart you'll want should be determined largely by the food being offered.

Modern-day food-cart owners have cleaned up the somewhat greasy reputation of street-food vendors. They have also expanded their menus. Kebobs and gyros came on the cart scene awhile ago, and vegetarian and Mediterranean salads have also caught on, as well as fish and chips. The Euro Trash food cart in Portland, Ore., for example, offers items like a prawn baguette with Portuguese curry prawns. And then there's Portland's Pie Lab, with slices of pie -- extra for ice cream or whipped cream on top.

Trailers, like carts, do not move under their own power, limiting their potential locations. Food trailers are often found at fairs, carnivals, sporting events, or other places where they can be unhitched and sit for awhile. Unlike most carts, trailers allow for cooking and have room for two or three people inside. Skillet Street Food in Seattle operates from an Airstream trailer with a full kitchen within. In short, a trailer can provide more options than a cart but is still less expensive than a truck.

Food Trucks

The food truck can carry any number of foods, and in some cases, more sophisticated equipment for storing, serving, cooking and preparing foods. Traditional food trucks were known for providing lunches, typically stocking sandwiches, kebobs, tacos, burgers and other standard fare for the lunch crowd. Many have expanded to include healthier vegetarian and vegan offerings, as well as not-so-healthy barbeque ribs. They do big business in corporate parks and places that have limited access to restaurants. Most food trucks are stocked from concessionaires, but there is a growing number that are associated with fast-food and midlevel restaurants. Sizzler and California Pizza Kitchen, for example, are putting together their own food trucks, as are other chains.

Larger than carts, trucks can carry more food and handle more business. However, food trucks need more space to park both when doing business and when off-duty. Essentially, there are two types of food trucks. One is the mobile food preparation vehicle (MFPV) where food is prepared as customers wait, hopefully not very long. The other is the industrial catering vehicle (ICV), which sells only prepackaged foods. An MFPV costs more than an ICV, and both cost more than a food cart. For example, a used hotdog cart may cost under $2,500, while a retrofitted used food truck would typically cost $30,000 or more. A newly designed food truck retrofitted MFPV with new all equipment could cost you upward of $100,000.

Complying with health-department rules and regulations can also drive up food-truck costs. Clearly, a smaller truck, a used truck, or a truck with limited equipment costs less. Therefore, it is up to you to determine whether you'll be cooking in the truck, preparing food somewhere else and serving from the vehicle, or selling prepared and prepackaged foods.

Gourmet Food Trucks

Basically the same as a food truck, the gourmet food truck takes food quality to a higher level. They are run by ambitious young chefs who offer cuisine not typically found in food trucks, such as specialty crepes, kimchi pork-fries, osso bucco, velvet cupcakes, or the chicken marsala meatballs with cilantro chutney found in the Great Balls on Tires gourmet food truck. Like Great Balls on Tires, many gourmet trucks have specialties and themes. In addition, they let their clientele know where they'll be parked through their websites and social media sites like Twitter. While food trucks need not have kitchens, gourmet trucks are more likely to have food prepared on the spot -- and high-end food at that. At the start of the new gourmet food-truck craze, Los Angeles was clearly the place to find such high-end dining. Now, however, New York has gained its share of such fancy food vehicles, such as the Rickshaw Dumpling Bar and The Dessert Truck founded by a former Le Cirque pastry chef. And as the concept of serving fine food rolls along, other cities from Portland, Ore., to St Louis and on down to Miami's South Beach are jumping on the foodie bandwagon with their own regional favorites. Food Network chef Ingrid Hoffmann's black and pink Latin Burger and Taco Truck, for example, has become quite the rage in Miami.

The Mobile-Catering Business

Mobile-catering trucks can be defined in a variety of ways and can overlap with mobile food trucks. Here are three differences: First, a catering truck is hired for a specific event such as a picnic, party or fair. Secondly, the person hiring the catering vehicle can select from a catering menu. Third, a catering vehicle can be used to transport the foods, which are then handed out from inside the truck or set up at the event or gathering, typically on trays or buffet style. This can mean providing the food to be served outdoors or parking and serving from the truck as the food trucks do. The differences are primarily in the manner of doing business. Nonetheless, the need for a reliable vehicle, licensing, permits, sanitary conditions, a business plan, and startup money are quite similar to the requirements of a mobile-food business.

One of the advantages of a mobile-catering business is that you are not risking as much in inventory because you are cooking and bringing food as ordered for the party. Therefore, you are covered for your food costs. You also have a specific destination, so you need not worry whether your favorite destinations will be busy. Typically, you are less dependent on good weather because many catered functions will be indoors. As long as you can get there with the food, you are usually OK. Of course, you do need to line up enough work to support your business. The difference between a mobile-catering business and other catering businesses is that you are using the mobility of the truck to show up rather than having a catering hall or venue.

Can You Handle the Heat?

While it may look easy, the food-truck industry takes a lot of hard work. For Scott Baitinger and partner Steve Mai who run the famous Streetza pizza truck in Milwaukee, Wis., a typical day starts three or four hours before taking the truck out on the road. "First we'll stop at Sam's Club or Restaurant Depot and pick up fresh ingredients. Then we go to our off-site commissary kitchen where we do all the prep work, which includes rolling the dough, making sauces, cutting the vegetables, and all of the things you really can't do in a 10-by-10 truck," explains Baitinger, who still works a day job in advertising but handles the truck on nights and weekends. Mai runs the weekday shifts except at times in the winter when no one in Milwaukee wants to trek outside in three feet of snow -- not even for pizza.

Then the Streetza team, which also includes a small staff on various shifts, parks at well-selected locations and prepare and sell food. At the end of a day, which is typically when they run out of food or the crowds have dissipated, comes the cleanup. "It's a lot like a restaurant cleanup with stainless steel cleaners, scrubbing, mopping, and making sure everything is in perfect shape to start again tomorrow," adds Baitinger.

Most mobile food business owners follow a similar set routine, whether it includes running the kiosk, cart or truck themselves or having employees run it. The routine, as is the case with Streetza, may include very early morning food shopping a few days a week, if not every day. Then there is stocking the kiosk or vehicle and heading to your destination(s). There is also a need to take some time during the day for marketing, usually via Twitter or another social media. Most mobile food vendors work roughly 10 hours a day. There are also days in which a business owner needs to sit down in a quiet office space, preferably at home with his feet up, and do all of the bookkeeping: paying taxes and bills, renewing licenses, and handling other fun paperwork responsibilities. The work is tiring and the day is long.

Saving money on commercial auto insurance should be a priority, yet it is important not to decrease the amount of coverage you already have. If one of your trucks is involved in an accident and your business does not have the right coverage it can cost you financially. Not only will you have to pay to get the truck repaired you are going to lose out on business while it is in the shop. There are much better ways to save on insurance rather than cutting your coverage. Let's take a quick look at a few options.

Raising the deductible might be a very good option for your business. It is going to help save you money in the here and now. If your truck is stolen or damaged in the future, you will just have to pay a little more out of your pocket.

Having the best drivers possible is as good of way as any as lowering your costs. Make sure that a motor vehicle report is run on every new hire. You can ask your insurance company to help you with this process, just be sure to notify your drivers in a timely manner. Keep in mind that businesses that require larger vehicles and drivers with a CDK often qualify for special discounts, so be sure to ask.

It is also important to choose your payment plan carefully. Many insurance agencies charge a much higher finance charge with some of their payment plans, while others offer no flexibility. Your goal is to find an insurer who offers low initial payments with no finance charges and has the ability to be flexible.

Without a doubt you never want to jump on the first insurance policy you see, take the time and shop around. You can save a substantial amount of money by ensuring that you choose the best plan for your business. Take the time to research and understand coverage, available services, and carriers to help you make the most informed decision possible.

There are services that are designed specifically for tow companies such as garage keepers legal liability and on-hook legal liability. On-hook legal liability simply covers towed property. Just recently a large insurer expanded this coverage to take into account more than just the vehicle in tow. Personal items, raw material, and equipment are now covered. In addition, any transaxle or transmission damage is now included in coverage as well. The limits for this insurance coverage have increased to $100,000.

Whereas garage keepers legal liability covers any vehicle that is being stored, repaired, or serviced at up to three business locations. The same amount of $100,000 coverage is in effect.

Be sure to always ask if you are eligible for any discounts. There are many insurance carriers who offer discounts for payments in full or those who have been in business for several years. By taking the time to review your insurance at regular intervals can help save money and allow your business to prosper. Take the time to contact an agent today and ask them what options are available for your business. Click here buriedcar.com/tow-truck-insurance-cost to read more about tow truck insurance costs.

Having low credit score is not the end of securing good financing terms. It will be more difficult than usual to look for a borrower who accepts this kind of borrower. Terms may not always be as great as what are available for those with good credit but a fair deal is still possible. Bad credit does not mean bad loan terms.

To get better car finance with bad credit, use these tips:

Tip #1: Be with someone when securing car finance.

Experts suggest bringing along someone when applying for a loan. An extra set of eyes and ears can help see any term, which may not in the best interest of the borrower. There is a tendency for borrowers with bad credit to grab the first offer for car finance. The other person can be more critical in poring over the terms of the loan.

Tip #2: Choose based on loan terms rather than on monthly payments

Some people immediately look at how much the monthly payments will be. This may be a good thing in order to make monthly payments easier, thus, reducing the risk for late or missed payments. These can further credit scores. However, in the end, shorter loan periods typically come with lower annual rates. If longer loan term is needed just to make the monthly payments, then it is highly probable that the vehicle is out of the borrowers price range. The best action? Look for a less inexpensive vehicle.

Tip #3: Check the add-ons

Subprime borrowers have higher possibilities of getting loan contracts with unnecessary add-ons. Do not agree to these, which include extended warranties, insurance and after-market services.

Tip #4: Be cautious against yo-yo

The yo-yo is a classic move of some unscrupulous car dealers. This is when the buyer is informed of an increase in the monthly payments or down payment a few days or weeks after the sale. This can happen if the contract is conditional or contingent. Buyers who sign this type of contract generally pay higher rates, with an average of 5% higher than what should have been paid under different circumstances.

Tip #5: Scrutinize the contract

A lot of buyers/borrowers are just too happy and eager with their car finance and car purchase that they just sign their names without looking at each and every item on the contract. Read everything. This will take us to the next tips.

Tip #6: Negotiate

Do not be scared of negotiating. A bad credit is not ineligibility for negotiations. Borrowers with bad credit can still negotiate and get a better deal. Granted that a poor credit score does place a borrower at some disadvantage. It will be harder to negotiate the terms of the auto loan. However, enough research and planning can help in this case. Before buying the car and applying for car finance, check the prevailing purchase price and interest rates. Check that the price is within the budget.

Next, check the monthly payments and see if it it is within the set budget. Negotiating the auto loan terms can be quite a feat. An alternative is to try and negotiate the purchase price. A small amount saved now will have a huge impact later when about to close a car finance with bad credit.

There is a high demand for auto electricians due to the increase in the number of car breakdowns and auto electrical repairs. An auto electrician has to be someone who fully understands everything about automotive breakdowns to assess and fix any car problems.

Their work is to set up, uphold, make a diagnosis of slip ups and repair cabling and computer based gears in cars, trucks, caravans, earth moving, trailers, and agricultural tools and equipment.

They also examine, restore, overhaul and put in apparatus or equipment like alternators, starter motors, generators, and batteries. An auto electrician will also repair switches, fuses, ignition, lamps and electrical wiring and make use of specialized electrical machine and tools.

Certification will depend on employer expectations. For example, some auto shops will hire a technician who is right out of school while others may employ those who are certified. It is a good idea to go ahead and look for certification as this will give you an advantage in the job market as they will be paid more.

Most auto technicians usually complete their certification process through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The organization is recognized as the standard for auto technician competence assessment.

It offers certification exams in all the eight core automobile systems as well as in the different specialized areas. The core automotive systems include automatic transmissions, engine repair, brakes, suspension and steering, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning and engine performance.

As you gain more experience as an auto electrician, you may choose to specialize in one particular automotive system. There are many programs designed to train technicians in only one area. However, you will find that you have to complete a general training program before specializing.

This is because of the fact that you will have to deal with many components in vehicles depending on an electrical current. Therefore, it will not be sensible for an auto electrician to have at least a basic knowledge of every system.

The vehicle electrical systems are becoming more intricate as the years go by, and the technician will, therefore, have to stay ahead of technology. At times, the malfunctions may seem complicated, but you have to try to come up with a solution. Continued study of all the latest techniques will help you to stay ahead of the game

What are the benefits of choosing the best window tint in Bellevue experts? If you are looking to have your car windows tinted, then the smartest way to go is by hiring a specialist. After all, you can get the best value for your money by going straight to the expert instead of relying on a company that does not offer the quality of service you deserve.

Below are just some of the great benefits that you can get from having your car window tinted by a specialist in Bellevue:

1. Minimize light transmission in your car interiors.

A renowned company in auto glass tinting can minimize the amount of visible light or daylight that gets into your car. For instance, there are companies that use ultra solar window films, which prevent daylight from passing through the glass window. This way, you can obtain greater comfort while you drive, as well as get maximum privacy and security for your personal items when you leave the car parked at a mall's basement or along the street.

2. Resist scratches and damages on the car window.

Your car is probably one of your best investments, so it only makes sense to keep it well-protected from damages. Auto glas tinting gives your car a scratch-resistant property, which is beneficial in protecting it from premature wear and tear due to exposure to harsh elements including intense heat. Moreover, window tint spares the glass from shattering easily, particularly in the event of a vehicular accident or if an object hits the windows while you are driving.

3. Keep the interiors of your car cool.

No matter how hot it is outside, having your windows tinted can keep the interiors cooler and more comfortable. In fact, quality auto glass tint minimizes heat inside the vehicle by as much as 60 percent. With this in mind, you can experience great comfort while you drive even if it is scorching hot outside. If you are headed for a long drive, the overall experience should be a pleasant one instead of getting soaked in sweat from the heat penetrating inside the car.

Finding the right company that offers window tint in Bellevue can give you total satisfaction from the services provided. Make it a point to choose the experts in auto window tinting and experience all of these benefits that will make driving a pleasure even if it is intensely hot on the road.

Purchasing the right tyres for your vehicle depends on several factors like cost, safety, appearance, brand, and comfort. There are crucial steps involved to make sure that you obtain the right set of wheels for your vehicle.

When it comes to price, you have a choice between a premium and a budget type of tyre. The premium ones are for high performing vehicles, such as Formula One and luxury cars. If you own this type of vehicle, you can even fit it with custom wheels. The budget ones are for everyday cars and for those who are watching the expenses for maintaining their cars and looking for the cheapest tyre available.

Fitting Your Car with the Right Type of Tyre

A specialist from a tyre shop can recommend the right kind of tyre that is suitable for your vehicle. Prices vary depending on the tyre and vehicle type. A good quality tyre can endure any type of weather. If you cannot decide on your own, you can talk to an expert regarding the best type of tyre that your car needs.

Used Car

If you purchased a used car, it is important that you inspect the tyres to make sure they are the right ones. If you are uncertain about it, check the handbook that goes with it. However, if it does not go with a handbook, you may be able to find the information online. Better yet, you can also consult a specialist, so you can replace your set of wheels in case you have the wrong ones.

Different Types for the Same Vehicle

There are vehicles that can be fitted with different tyre types. In this case, one set could be cheaper than the other. This is the reason why cost is a huge factor in deciding on the type of tyre. Many people prefer the budget type of tyre if they are suitable for their vehicle. An advantage of this type is that it is easy to replace because there are more of them in demand.

Conclusion

The price is such an important factor when purchasing tyres for your vehicle. This has become even more crucial because of the increasing costs of maintaining a car. A specialist from a tyre shop would have a good idea of the type of tyre that you need for your car. You must also do a research because some of them may just want to have a quick sale.

Car maintenance is the act of examining or checking the condition of the car's subsystems and replacing its parts and fluids for a better performance and to prevent possible engine problems. It is significant to have regular car maintenance to guarantee the reliability, safety, comfort and longevity of the car. During preventive maintenance, parts are to be replaced if needed for safety reasons as well as to avoid more serious damage.

Based on data from car repairs in austin, car maintenance schedule depends on the year, model and the construction of the car, the driving conditions as well as the behavior of the driver. The ideal car service maintenance should be done based on these limits:

* During extreme weather climates- hot or cold or changes in weather

* During some heavy stop and go and for long distance cruising

* By the number of trips and the distance traveled by each trip in a day

There are two types of automotive maintenance schedule to follow. There is the standard car schedule and the car specific maintenance schedule. Sticking to either of the two car maintenance schedules will help your car to run and look good for a long time.

I was trying to sell my van for free but it took me a while because I didn't know who to go to. This article will tell you how to sell your van for virtually no money.

Do you have a van that is simply sitting in your driveway and it needs gone this week? You want it gone but really do not want to put a whole lot of money and effort into placing ads. It is easy to understand why you never get a guarantee that your van will sell even after the ad has been paid for. We are going to help you move that van out of the driveway at no cost to you. You'll have a clean driveway again and a few extra dollars in your pocket.

Online Classifieds

If you are looking for a fast and free way to get rid of that van, you will want to fire up your internet connection. Head over to an online classified site like Craigslist or Backpage. Create an exciting ad that is going to get people interested in your van. Upload plenty of pictures and price it right and you will start getting emails or calls within the day. The best part of placing an ad on these sites is it is as free as the air!

Set It And Forget It

If you are not using your van for anything you might as well get it off the property. Take a ride around town and see if there are any parking areas where a lot of people are placing their cars for sale. Many times it will be a location where a large store went out of business and the parking lot is a prime location still. As long as the area is relatively safe, why not park your car and let it grab some of that attention as well. Make sure you put up several easy to read signs that include all the pertinent information about your vehicle. Give the van about a week and if there doesn't seem to be any interest either move it to a new spot on the lot or another part of town.

Do Some Leg Work

If you are really wanting to get rid of that van, you may have to do a little bit of hustling. This is going to mean printing up some flyers and placing them up around town. The only cost involved here is paper, printer ink, and a little bit of elbow grease. Create a good looking flyer that is going to attract the eyeballs. If you are not that creative enlist the help of your kids or look online for some creative ideas. Once they have been printed look around town for local bulletin boards. Great places to place your flyers are where people need cars. Thin about bus stations, welfare offices, even local colleges. If your van is priced right the work will pay off in an easy sale for you.

Now you have three easy ways to list your car for sale and not one of them is going to cost you a dime. You can place an online ad, park it in a lot, or place some flyers up around time. Regardless of what you choose, you should end up with some extra cash in your pocket. Hopefully, this article has given you the information you need to take action and sell your van!

Have you decided that it's time to find a Ferrari F430 for sale? Are you not sure what you can do to make shopping for one less stressful? You are in the right place if so. Here you'll go over a few of the things you need to think of when you go car shopping, so read along.

Work on your credit score before you buy a car. A bad credit score means higher interest fees. That will result in a higher monthly car bill. And in some cases, that will result in higher premiums for car insurance. Get your credit in order so you aren't locked into high fees for the life of your car loan.

Although some sites suggested not test driving a vehicle because of the emotional attachment that can happen, it is never a good idea to purchase something without trying it out. Take at least a fifteen minute long test drive to really get a feel for how the car handles and how comfortable the car truly is.

Take your time when buying a new car and do your homework. Do not be afraid to get up and walk away from a deal. Don't fall in love with a specific car. If the numbers the dealer is giving you are not what you want, just walk away.

Do not base your car buying decision solely on price. While price is certainly important, so is the reputation of the dealership. You want to find a place that is known for great customer service and standing behind the cars they sell in case you have any problems down the road.

Read all the documents that are presented to you when you purchase a new car. They will usually have a large stack for you to sign. Don't feel pressured into signing anything that you do not understand. If you do not understand something, ask about it before signing. Until you sign your name to all the paperwork, you can walk out of the dealership and not owe a dime.

Never shop for a car based on what you want to pay monthly. Most car sellers will try to help you shop around a monthly payment. This means they can put you in a car that is not what you want by telling you it is what you can afford. The only one who wins is the dealership.

Always be leery of any used car dealers on the side of the road. These dealers almost always have a less than reputable reputation. The cars they sell could have flood damage, need major repairs, and are sold without warranty. Once you drive that car off the lot, any problems the car has are now your problem.

When purchasing a car, do not fall for the salesman's ploy that you must make a deal now to get the special pricing. Instead, tell the salesman you are going to get something to eat and will return in an hour. This will allow time for your emotional attachment to lessen making you able to negotiate the best terms and price.

Stand firm on your down payment. Cars can be sold with no down payment; however, some money down will help the final cost. Be wary of sellers who ask you to increase your down payment. This extra money will typically only go into the pocket of the salesperson and dealership, and does not help your bottom line.

Many of the perks a dealer offers are really expensive, including rust-proofing, paint sealant and anti-theft devices. Shop around before you even approach the lot to find out what local car shops are charging for these services, and then take the quotes you get with you to either get a deal from the dealer or skip those add-ons totally.

A dealer with a great reputation may offer you a better deal than one which advertises great prices. You may find that a dealer who people like to buy from offers perks which aren't available elsewhere, including reduced pressure sales tactics and lower overall price due to freebies thrown in to the sale.

This guide should have helped you learn all that there is to know about car shopping. It doesn't have to be that a difficult task if you know exactly what you're doing. Take the advice and you'll be able to take most of the stress out of shopping for a car.

Deciding who are the best manufacturers and where to buy a hovercraft is a difficult question because the playing isn't level, as the English might say. For one thing, it depends on your budget and the purpose of you purchase. Someone looking for leisure hovercraft will have very different criteria when searching for hovercraft for sale than someone who wants an ACV for racing purposes. Another consideration quality. If your budget is a little tight, then you might forego some of the bells and whistles of the up-market models for a solid basic craft that just does what you want and is a bit spartan to the eye - more info leisure-hovercraft.com.

Not every manufacturer produce air cushioned craft specifically for racing, as it's quite a specialized field. The hull is normally very thin but lightweight and often fabricated from reinforced glass fiber. The downside is that this material splits, although it is very rigid, and is very light when compared to most plastics or an aluminium hull. Racing vehicles are stripped of all components that just aren't required to help the machine goes faster, for that is it's purpose! It will certainly hug the ground, and so the skirt may be less substantial than most other smaller craft.

Although safety is a consideration, speed is the first priority as sportsmen generally accept a certain level of danger as part and parcel of their particular sport. Leisure hovercraft, however, are a different kettle of fish. Although they can clip along at up to 40 kph, speed is not their prime function. These babies are designed for adults and kids to have fun by skipping very the surface of terra firma, lake or sea, but in total safety, which makes complete sense for a family man taking his kids out for an exciting ride in something completely different.

The answer is therefore 'it depends on what you want it for'! It's highly probable that the number of leisure type personal hovercraft on the market far outnumbers the racing variety, so there's an amazing amount of choice with wide options to suit your budget. There's even a company based in Brazil called Hovery who market an inflatable model that packs away in the trunk of a car and takes just 15 minutes to get up and running. Options include one or two engines, depending on the number of passengers, and you can even buy one with an electric motor which is the way to go for our planet.

Limo One, arguably the worlds safest presidential limo, is no James Bond sci-fi fantasy. While its specs are not disclosed for security reasons, what can be said is how its got a pretty great deal of armor, equipment and prestige.

With Luxury Road Events, you get a little taste of how it is being driven around like the President of the United States. Their party buses may not be as armored as the presidential limo or equipped with the same gadgets, but they can provide complete safety and convenience for you, your family members and friends. Clients are treated with an unquestionable VIP service to events such as business meetings, corporate functions, formal events, wine tastings, brewery tours and more. It doesnt matter whether the need is for one person or a large group of guests. All requests can be accommodated.

American cars have been selected throughout history to transport the most important individual in the United States. A variety of them have been commissioned since the late 1930s, as implemented by the Federal Government. As for the current heavily armored vehicle, referred to by the Secret Service as The Beast, we know that it commenced service on January 20, 2009 in time for newly elected President Obama. General Motors handled the manufacturing, and its design was based on the previous limo during President Bushs time, the Cadillac DTS. Unlike its predecessor, however, this one doesnt carry a specific model name.

If you put a vehicle of standard production and The Beast side by side, theyre practically from two different planets. With regard to looks, its outward appearance does share a lot of current Cadillac styling themes, but its body displays a greatly modified version of the recent DTS-badged presidential cars. Its door handles, side mirrors and headlights all seem to have been sourced from the Escalade model, whereas its backup lights and taillights seem taken from the STS sedan.

A maximum of seven people can fit comfortably in Limo One, and at least three passengers are aboard at all times: Mr. President, the driver and the lead Secret Service protective agent. In the back, there are four additional seats, with one spot next to Mr. President and the other three being rearward-facing spots. The driver has to be a top selection, one whos undergone extensive training and can perform police-style maneuvers in the case of evading attacks.

The extent of protection on The Beast seems to be no joke. Its doors allegedly weigh the same as those of an aircraft like the Boeing 757, while the five-inch thick bulletproof windows are believed to comprise at least five layers. Regarding other rumored details, the armor plating has a thickness of eight inches and the vehicle, as a whole, weighs a total of 20,000 lbs.!

Regarding on-board equipment, youd be surprised if you thought those tools flaunted in action films couldnt all be in one ride in real life. The Beasts trunk comes fully prepared for any extremes with shotguns, oxygen tanks, firefighting equipment, tear gas canisters, grenade launchers (only speculated) and even a cache of blood type that matches the presidents! Indeed, this limo isnt just some royal carriage. Its ready to do everything it can to guard the most powerful man in the U.S., if not the free world.

What are some of the used cars you've purchased in the past? The last used car I bought was a Mazda 626, and right before that, it was a Nissan Maxima. I was told that foreign cars are sometimes better to buy used, but everyone has their own preferences. What do you think about Volkswagen? The Volkswagen Tiguan is a popular used vehicle. Have you searched to see if there is a used Tiguan for sale in Kent ?

If you're not familiar with the Tiguan, you need to take a look at the type of vehicle it is and if it would work for you and your family. This is a nice luxury vehicle if you ask me, but the only thing is new ones cost around 40 grand. That's right, so if you don't want to pay almost 40,000 'smackerooos' for a new vehicle, then you might want to see if you can find a used Tiguan in Kent.

If a vehicle costs that much brand new, you can bet that it's supposed to perform well for quite some time. You should be able to count on a used Tiguan for many years, and hopefully you can find one with low mileage. Are you wanting to buy one that is just a year or two old, or are you wanting to try and find one that is a few years older. I'm not certain what year they started making Tiguans. For example, if you wanted a five year old used vehicle, the Tiguan might not have been around then.

The 40,000 listing price for a new Volkswagen Tiguan was for a vehicle with all the upgrades of course. They do have new listings for these vehicles as low as 27,000. With new prices fluctuating like that between different models, you can bet it's going to pay off to look at the used prices closely as well. For example, I found one 2013 used Tiguan that is on sale for 26,000. That is a used Tiguan, but you can buy a new one for that price if you add 1,000 to the mix.

Of course, that 2013 Tiguan is probably one of the more luxurious models. I think that any of these vehicles used should be under 20,000. I'm looking at the listings just right quick on one site to see what I can find. First of all, I see Tiguans at this dealership going back as far as 2012. Now, these are certified pre-owned vehicles, and that is what you want to make sure you get your hands on by the way. Moreover, I'm starting to see listings in the 19,000 range.

As a matter of fact, I now see one used Tiguan from 2009 that is selling in the 12,000 range. There is also one from 2010 that is selling for under 11,000 dollars. So there you have it, you can buy a used Volkswagen Tiguan in Kent for anywhere from 11,000 on up to 27,000. It pays to look around!

Like all vehicles, small hovercraft constructions can be separated into distinct categories, with sole aspects of them relating to two or more of these categories. Let's call them hull construction, skirt, engines, controls and fitments, just like any other mode of transport. Of course, the overall design scheme is to integrate these distinct systems into one whole unit that performs in the required manner - it must float and move forward carrying passengers in safety, easy to control and be economical to buy and run - a tall order!

How much is a personall hovercarft? Hovercraft prices have come down significantly because of constant development in each category and new ideas are appearing all the time. A major step forward occurred with the invention of new composite expanded plastic materials that enabled designers to incorporate new techniques to hull design. Traditionally, small ACV craft were built on glass fiver hulls, which were light and strong, but didn't react too well to shocks and bangs. Basically, they tend to split and are very difficult to repair properly. New plastic materials don't surrender their unit strength when one part of it is impacted by a rock, for example.

The skirt is another major design component and is the subject of much improvements at the present time. In the past, the skirt was fabricated with just one piece of material, and then fastened securely around the perimeter of the craft hull. The material used was often rubber based with interlacing cross layers of material. In other cases, rip-stop fabric was used similar to the sail cloth used on large sailing boats. One big drawback of using a one-piece design is that if the skirt is damaged, then it has to change out completely.

The latest skirt design have revolutionized the cost of damage by splitting it up into small sections. One company is using a for of Kevlar for this, which is extremely tough and durable. However, anything can get damaged in the right conditions. This company fastens the sections to the hull securely, but they are only fastened to it's neighboring section using cheap nylon tie-wraps. If one section is snagged, it simply breaks the tie-wraps. If it is damaged, then it's easily replaced by another section that can be carried in the spares cupboard. Modern small hovercraft hulls have a molded compartment to house the engines, either one or two, and a lid minimizes the noise while allowing maintenance access.

Motorcycle riding is definitely an enjoyable activity - not only for guys but even for the ladies as well. However, for new riders, there's always the risk that they're not entirely familiar with the laws and regulations concerning motorcycle riding. This is where motorbike lessons become important -it teaches beginners the things they need to know before going on the highway.

Unlike drivers, riders usually face a lot of road challenges-- this includes less stability from two wheels, reduced protection from external forces, and reduced visibility. For these reasons, it's crucial for motorcycle riders to take motorcycle lessons that could help them prepare for these challenges.

How It Benefits New Riders

Just like what has been mentioned earlier, new riders are encouraged to take motorcycle lessons, because it's one of the best ways on how they'd learn to ride properly. There are motorcycle courses specifically designed for beginners, and these classes teach the basics of operating a motorcycle and everything in general that new riders would find very useful. Motorcycle training is usually composed of 2-3 sessions, and this includes 5 hours of classroom instruction, as well as activities and 10 hours of on-bike riding experiences.

Some of the things the basic riding course offers are the following:

Appropriate motorcycle gear.

How to perform an inspection before riding the bike.

The proper way of starting and stopping the bike.

The best ways to maneuver through obstacles and traffic.

In some states, by simply completing this basic course allows you to obtain a license.

ATGATT

If you're a rider, you probably heard the term, all the gear all the time. These six important words are what novices should learn by heart. It's also one of the things discussed in motorcycle classes.

Finding the Best Schools

The best motorcycle schools offer qualified motorcycle instructors throughout the whole duration of the course. Trainees are provided with helmets, together with communication gadgets attached to them. Aside from that, a reliable motorcycle training school also offers courses that follow the government regulations, and only government-certified programs should be taken into consideration by those who want to undergo training.

Lowering Insurance Rates with the Help of a Motorcycle Safety Course

Considering the fact that those who have completed the safety course would be less prone to accidents, most insurance companies are willing to offer discounts to these riders. In most cases, the discounts can be very significant, and so, it would really be practical to undergo motorcycle training. For more information about motorcycel lessons visit biketrainingwa.com/services/

Choosing the right battery for your boat can be very confusing, especially if most of your experience is involving cars. There are also a lot of helpful people that will give you wrong information about batteries, it's not their fault, this is a long-standing problem even among some battery sales people. Let's examine the difference between the regular marine battery, the deep cycle battery for marine use, and the AGM marine type battery now.

Automotive Batteries Will Start Your Engines Fine

The problem with using a car battery in your boat is that they're constructed differently inside. Boats tend to slam into the waves hundreds of times per hour and a car battery isn't made to take the hits.

If you were to open up the two types of batteries you would immediately see that the lead plates are laid out differently in each of them. The marine battery is built to take a constant pounding at wildly different angles as the boat goes vertical one minute and horizontal the next.

You'll also see that there are spacers and supports separating the plates in the marine style battery that helps keep them apart. Once they touch, that part of the cell is shorted out and dead. A car battery won't have the spacers or the extra support because it doesn't need them.

A Deep Cycle Marine Battery Is Different As Well

A deep cycle battery is made to run appliances like refrigerators, radios, and microwaves or run electric trolling motors. These uses draw low amounts of power over long periods of time. If you run a deep cycle battery all the way down, it will still take a charge and not be ruined like a regular battery would.

The difference between the "marine" deep cycle and a regular deep cycle is again, the supports for the plates inside so it can take the beating of being on the water and pounding the waves. Other deep cycle batteries are used in solar applications, golf carts and computer backup UPS devices.

An AGM Battery Is Built To Take Up Side Down Use

AGM stands for "absorption glass mat" and that's because there are mats, similar to fiberglass, built into the battery between the lead plates. These batteries are slightly more powerful that regular batteries and can also handle being completely turned upside down during usage without spilling or harming the battery.

These batteries are especially good when used in applications where the vehicle will be in many different positions, like boats, ATV's, 4 wheel drives, and airplanes. The military is especially fond of then because many military uses involve off-road driving and they need a dependable battery at all times. Regular batteries are prone to leaking and the battery acid is especially bad for electronic components that could be ruined by just one spill.

Now that you can see the differences between the different batteries you can understand why people get so confused. When you go into the battery store it's important to explain the exact uses that the battery will be used for in order to get the right one for your application.

It was a long time dream of mankind, to move through the air like a bird without a care in the world. Orville and Wilbur Wright are accredited with the first sustained flight in a controlled vehicle that was heavier than air and the rest, as they say, is aviation history. Since those exciting times, incredible engines of flight have been developed, both for war and for peace, with the ability to travel at amazing speeds. Relatively recently in our history, we have such wealth and leisure time that some of us use flight as a hobby and an enjoyable way to spend recreation time.

Although aeroplanes are still quiet expensive, even for a small one, there is one outdoor activity that is interesting both marine and on-shore enthusiasts. Hovercrafts are not that new. After first being invented in the UK in the 40s, it seems that designs existed decades before. It's just that the technology and engines didn't exist in those times. Air cushioned vehicles (ACV), as they are sometimes called can't really be called an airplane, because it doesn't raise high enough from the ground, but it doesn't actually touch the ground either.

Full sized and small hovercrafts float on a cushion of air pressure which is generated by a propeller mounted vertically underneath an engine. Downward thrust is assured by a skirt which contains the air pressure until it slowly leaks away underneath the hovercraft. The same principle powers all crafts, even the personal hovercrafts used for leisure purposes. In smaller versions, one engine provides vertical and forward thrust by re-directing air flow downwards and backwards.

All sizes of these vehicles are steered by pivoting hinged flaps behind the rear air flow, and so pushing the rear of the craft either left or right. Hovercraft used for sport racing must be very light and are mostly made from glass fiber, with various other types of flexible material used for the skirt fixed around the hull. One problem with the skirt is that it can become damaged by trailing over sharp rocks or other obstructions. Although a hovercraft will float several inches above flat ground, it will not raise up over a relatively small obstacle in it's path.

In recent years manufacturers have employed new materials, causing hovercraft prices to come down a lot, just because so many younger people are looking to buy a personal hovercraft for leisure and fun. Some vehicles now have very robust hulls, which don't split easily, using high density plastics instead of glass fiber. Skirt material is also much tougher - it can't be ripped easily when pulled, and the whole skirt arrangement is made up of smaller sections held lightly together, so that if a section is damaged it can simply be replace very cheaply.

You may be planning to buy a car and you're spoilt for choice on whether to buy a manual or an auto car. You have probably talked about it with your friends and family and some of them are advising you to go for a manual car while others are telling you that an auto will be the best buy. Well, you need not worry. It is easy to make up your mind on whether to buy a manual or an auto once you know what exactly what you are looking for in a car and what each kind of car entails.

Before we can go into the kind of car to choose between a manual and an auto, lets first look at what each car entails. We will look at the features that set one car apart from the other one and also each car's pros and cons. Lets start with a manual car.
A manual car is the car that has been in existence for the longest period of time between the two cars. Cars before the millenium years were mainly manual cars. Manual cars are still in the market even after auto cars have been massively introduced into the car market over the recent years. Manual cars contain a stick gear and a clutch that is operated by the driver of the car. The gear stick is movable and one can select gears.

A manual car has a number of pros. To start with, it economises fuel. Tests which have been carried out by ConsumerReports.org have shown that a manual car can improve gas mileage by upto 2-5 mpg. Manual cars don't have a torque converter, a device that causes more fuel to be burnt when a car is in transmission.
Secondly, a manual car is easy to maintain. Manual cars contain less complex features and therefore they rarely undergo internal damages or have parts needing repair. The only part of a manual car that may require repair is the clutch but this part is able to go for many years without needing repair or replacement.
Thirdly, the transmission fluid used in a manual car doesn't need frequent changing. The fluids used in a manual car are engine and gear oils and these rarely need to be changed as they don't deteriorate easily.
Fourthly, a manual car gives one a better control of the vehicle as it is easier to brake. Also, a manual car is cheaper in price and therefore affordable.

Coming to the cons, learning to drive a manual car may be difficult. One may have trouble operating the stick shift. Also, one may have trouble pulling away from a hill and may even roll back into traffic. Depressing a heavy clutch pedal can also cause leg and joints pains especially to inexperienced drivers.

Concerning an auto car, auto cars are cars which are self-shifting. The cars can automatically shift gears without the driver having to use stick shifts.

An auto car has a number of pros. The first of these is that it is easier to drive an auto car. In driving an auto car, all one has to do so is to press buttons alongside using the steering wheel. This is unlike in the case of a manual car where one has to operate the clutch pedal with their foot.
An auto car also has the advantage of speed and it is also easier to drive in hilly places as well as in heavy traffic because decelerating it is easier compared to decelerating a manual car. An auto car is also less likely to stall.

Coming to the cons, an auto car first of all consumes more fuel. Auto cars are fitted with a torque converter and this usually leads to the burning of additional fuel when the vehicle is in transit. Secondly, the transmission fluid in auto cars frequently need changing. Lastly, an auto car is more expensive to purchase compared to a manual car.

Having looked at what each car entails, we can now go into the issue of making a choice between an auto car and a manual car. Concerning whether to choose an auto or a manual, it should mainly depend on what you are looking for. If you are for example looking for a vehicle that will make you spend less in fuel then a manual is what you should go for. However, if you are looking for a vehicle that will give you an advantage in heavy traffic or allow you to drive with relative ease then an auto is for you. You can learn to drive in both types of car when you learn to drive in Glasgow with the Glasgow City Driving School.

The trucking industry and delivery industry is a multi billion dollar giant. The problem is their is quite a bit of loss in the industry as well from the wrong trucks being dispatched to runs and the dispatcher providing people with the wrong routes. This is when people may want to know more about why their vehicles need a fleet tracking system. Once people know about this, it is going to be easy for people to know if the vehicles are going to be dispatched with the right vehicle being sent to the right location or not.

Cost savings is a major sticking point for a lot of companies. The companies will generally want to know the cheapest way possible to move the vehicles around and often when the drivers are relying on their own skill they can find the route to get where they need to be, but it may not be the fastest route. With that being said, people need to realize these tracking systems can start to route the vehicles around to the areas that are going to benefit them the most and allow them to get to the area they need to be at.

Dispatching issues will be resolved is going to be one of the other things that people are going to enjoy. While most of the time people never think about this, they need to realize their are going to be problems with the vehicles being dispatched improperly because their were closer vehicles or their were other vehicles that can handle the job. So this is going to be a great step in the right direction in the time savings on the driver and even the company because they will have a lower amount of waste being done because they will finally be able to get the proper drivers to the right area.

When people are looking at their trucking company they may not realize their are a variety of ways for them to save quite a bit of money. The problem is so many companies miss out on these opportunities that it is not funny. This is when people should know more about why they should be using a fleet tracking system. By knowing more about why they should be using these systems it is going to be easy for them to save quite a bit of money and make better business deals because of the savings.